Knockdown platform



Feb- 20, 1962 K. J. REINHARD ETAL 3,022,028

KNOCKDOWN PLATFORM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June l1, 1954 Nm. i

Kar/ J. Reinhard Leo F Swoboda INVENTORS 9 Y aa'..

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Feb. 20, 1962 K. J. REINHARD ETAL 3,022,028

KNOCKDOWN PLATFORM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June ll, 195,4

Kar/ J. Reinhard Leo Swoboda INVENTORS United States Patent O 3,022,028 KNGCKDOWN PLATFORM Karl J. Reinhard, Marietta, and Leo F. Swoboda, Macon, Ga., assgnors to The Tumpane Company of Georgia, Inc., Marietta, Ga., a corporation of Georgia Filed June 11, 1954, Ser. No. 436,058 2 Claims. (Cl. 248-23) This invention relates in general to improvements in platforms, and more specifically to a knockdown machinery platform.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a machinery platform which is formed of lightweight metal members so as to produce an extremely rigid long lasting platform and at the same time, a platform which is or" such a weight whereby the saving in shipping cost will soon more than offset the added expense of such platform.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved knockdown platform which is formed substantially of all identical members whereby relatively few different structural forms are required.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved extruded metal member which is relatively strong, and at the same time, provides sucient openings to facilitate the adjustable mounting of articles with respect to the structural members or shapes.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved mounting plate intended to be utilized in combination with machinery platforms, the mounting plate being so constructed whereby it is adjustable with respect to an associated mounting platform and may adjustably receive a leg or other support of a piece of machinery.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved machinery platform which is so constructed whereby it may be easily taken apart and assembled so that the same may be conveniently stored.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved machinery platform which is formed of a war critical metal whereby the metal may be simultaneously stockpiled together with the stockpiling of industrial machinery, the industrial machinery being intended to be mounted on the machinery platform,

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like partsthroughout, and in which:

FIGURE l is a top plan view of the machinery platform which is the subject of this invention and shows the general details thereof;

FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view of the machinery platform of FIGURE 1 and shows the relationship of transverse frame members with respect to longitudinally extending skid members; FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the machinery platform of FIGURE 1 and shows further the relationship of transverse frame members with respect to longitudinal skid members, also being shown is the relationship of mounting plates and intermediate frame members with respect to longitudinal skid forming members; FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of FIGURE l and shows the connection between a transverse frame member and a longitudinal skid forming member; j

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5 5 of FIGURE 1 and shows a typical cross-section of one-half of the machinery platform 3,922,028 Patented Feb. 20, 1962 ICC as well as the connection between a mounting plate thereof and one of the longitudinal skid forming members;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a structural member from which the machinery platform which is the subject of this invention is formed; and

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the mounting plates and shows the general arrangement of the various parts thereof.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the machinery platform which is the subject of this invention, the machinery platform being referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. rl`he machinery platform 1G is formed of a pair of longitudinal frame members 12 which are disposed outermost. A second pair of longitudinal frame members 14 are disposed in spaced parallel relation with respect to the outer frame members 12 and mayV be considered inner longitudinal frame members. The inner longitudinal frame members 14 are widely spaced.

In order that the longitudinal frame members 12 and 14 may be retained in spaced parallel relation and form a rigid part of the machinery platform 10, there are provided at the ends thereof transverse frame members 16. The transverse frame member 16 overlie the ends of the longitudinal frame members 12 and 14 and are rigidly secured thereto by spaced fasteners 18.

' Also overlying the longitudinal frame members 12 and 14 but disposed adjacent the centers thereof are intermediate transverse frame members 29. The intermediate transverse frame members 20 are in the form of rectangular structural members and are releasably secured to the longitudinal frame members 12 and 14 by spaced bolts 18.

Adjustably carried by the frame members 14 adjacent the ends thereof are mounting plates which are referred to in general by the reference numeral 22. Each mounting plate 22 is adjustably secured to its associated longitudinal frame member 14 by a plurality of fasteners 1S.

lt is to be understood that the frame members 12, 14 and 16 are identical cross-section and are formed from identical structural members. Each of these structural members is referred to in general by the reference numeral 24 and includes a web 26, as is best illustrated in FIG- URE 6. Extending from the web 26, which is slightly arcuate, is a pair of diverging flanges 28. The diverging anges 28 are provided remote from the web 26 with outwardly directed wing flanges 30. The wing anges 3i) are disposed in a common plane and are of a greater thickness than the diverging anges 28 and the web 26. It is preferred that the structural members 24 be formed of extruded aluminum or other light weight metal for reasons to be set forth in more detail hereinafter.

As is best illustrated in FIGURE l, the Wing anges 30 of each of the frame members 12, 14 and 16 are provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced, square openings 32. These openings 32 facilitate the adjustable positioning of the fasteners 18. This permits not only the forming of machinery platforms of various sizes, but also permits the ready adjustment of the mounting plates 22 so as to accommodate machinery of various sizes and configurations. It is to be understood that the mounting plates 22 may be secured equally as Well to the outer longitudinal frame members 12. It is also to be noted that the intermediate transverse frame members 20 are provided with a plurality of openings 34 which facilitate the mounting thereof. v

Referring now to FIGURE 5 in particular, it will be seen that when a transverse frame member 16 is secured to either a longltudinal frame member 12 or a longitudinal frame member 14, the fasteners 18 are in inverted positions. Bach of the fasteners 18 includes a bolt 36 which has a rounded head 3S of a size not to pass through the associated opening 32. Further, the head of each bolt 36 is provided with arreduced square cross-sectional portion 40 of a size to snugly be received within its associated opening 32. Overlying the associated opening 32 Ain the wing flanges 3i? of the transverse frame members 16 are flat washers 42. Overlying the flat washers 42 are lock washers 44 and nuts 46. This arrangement permits the securement ofy a fastener 18 in place with the use of a single wrench without any possibility whatsoever of it slipping.

Y Inasmuch as the longitudinal frame members 12 and 14 form skids for the machinery platform 10, vportions of their diverging flanges 28 at the ends thereof are cut away and the end Vportions 26 of their Webs are bent upwardly at an angle, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 4. This facilitates the slidingof the machinery platform along a Yfloor or the like.

Referring now to FIGURE 5 in particular, it will be seen that the opposite ends of the transverse frame members 16 have portions of their diverging flanges 2S cut away. Also, end portions of their webs 26 are bent downwardly along a diagonal line. This facilitates both the sliding of machinery on the machinery platform and also eliminates projecting edge portions of the transverse frame members 16. Y

Referring now to FIGURE 7 in particular, it will be seen that each of the mounting plates 22 is generally rectangular in outline. Further, each corner of the mounting plate 22 is recessed, as at 48, to facilitate the reception of portions of the fasteners 18. Each corner portion of the mounting plate 22 is provided with a longitudinal slot 50 so that the mounting plate 22 may be adjustably positioned longitudinally of its associated longitudinal frame member. Further, the longitudinal central portion'of each mounting plate 22 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely elongated slots 52 for reception of fasteners (not shown) which are utilized to mount machinery (not shown) on the machinery platform 10. This Ywide range of adjustment between the machinery mounting plate 22 and both the machinery to be mounted and the longitudinal frame members permits the ready adaptation of the machinery platform 10 to various types of machinery.

Referring once again to FIGURE 5 in particular it will be seen that the provision of the recessed corner portions 48 inthe mounting plate 22 permits upper portions of theV fasteners 18 securing the mounting plates 22 in place to be completely recessed along the upper surface of the mounting plates 22.

The machinery platform 10, which is the subject ofthis invention, besides presenting a highly desirable and effective platform, may be easily taken apart for storagepurposes. Further, inasmuch as it uses relatively few different parts, it will beseen that it may be readily mass produced.

Although the initial cost of the machinery platform 10 is higher than that of conventional wooden platforms, inasmuch as all of the structural members thereof are formed of aluminum or other lightweight metals, the initial cost of the machinery platform 10 may be quickly saved through the effective reduction of shipping charges. Further, a wooden machinery platform is utilized only one time and is then destroyed because of the high cost of returning it to its original starting point and because it may not easily be knocked down for storage, while the machinery platform 10 may be utilized a relatively great number of times because it may be easily knocked rigidity of the machinery platform 10, its life is greatly extended.

Another advantage of the machinery platform 10 is that it is formed of a critical material which is now being stockpiled. Inasmuch as large amounts of industrial machinery are also being stockpiled, by utilizing the machinery platform 10 to store the machinery on, the machinery platform 10 may serve a dual purpose. In the event of a national emergency, it is desired to remove the machinery mounted on the machinery platform 10 from storage, the machinery platform 10 immediately becomes available as a stockpile of a highly critical maten'al.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily Yunderstood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitV the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. A knockdown machinery platform comprising a plurality of channel-shaped cross-sectional members, certain of said members being longitudinally arranged and forming skids, the others of said members extending transversely of said certainV members in overlying relation, said other members being secured to said certain members, mounting plates carried by at least a pair of said certain members, all of said members having wing flanges, wing flanges of said certain members being in face-to-face engagement With wing flanges of said other members, said mounting plates resting on wing anges of -said pair of certain members.

2. A knockdown machinery platform comprising a plurality of channel-shaped cross-sectional members, ceri tain of said members being longitudinally arranged and down and stored or transshipped. Further, due to the forming skids, the other of said members extending transversely of said certain Vmembers in overlying relation, said other members being secured to said certain members, mounting plates carried by at least a pair of :said certain members, all of'said members having wing anges, wing anges of said certain members being in face-toface engagement with wing anges of said other members, each said mounting plates resting on the wing flanges of an associated one of said pair of certain members, said wing flanges being provided with longitudinally spaced openings, fasteners passed through selected of said openings securing said mounting plates andsaid Vother members to said certain members.

References Cited in the file Yof this patent 

